WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Tuesday sharply criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, comparing him unfavorably to Winston Churchill and declaring the U.S.-UK relationship “obviously not what it was” following Starmer’s initial reluctance to allow the use of British bases for strikes against Iran.
The escalating dispute centers on the U.S. And Israel’s recent military actions against Iran, and the UK’s limited support. Trump’s comments, delivered to reporters and in an interview with The Sun newspaper, represent the third time in 24 hours he has publicly rebuked Starmer over the issue, highlighting his frustration with allies who have not fully backed the operation.
“This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with,” Trump said, according to reports. He further stated that the relationship with the UK had deteriorated as a result of Starmer’s decisions, and expressed surprise at the time it took for the UK to grant access to bases, specifically Diego Garcia, for defensive actions.
Starmer, addressing the House of Commons on Monday, defended his initial position, stating the UK did not support “regime change from the skies” and emphasizing the need to act in Britain’s national interest. While he ultimately authorized the use of Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford for defensive purposes – protecting British citizens, forces, and allies in the Middle East targeted by Iranian retaliatory strikes – he maintained a cautious stance on the broader U.S.-led offensive.
“President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to get involved in the initial strikes, but it is my duty to judge what is in Britain’s national interest. That is what I have done, and I stand by it,” Starmer said.
The public disagreement has prompted concern among some observers. Emily Thornberry, chair of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, remarked, “I can’t help but wonder what Churchill would have made of Trump. He certainly ain’t no Franklin D Roosevelt.”
The rift extends beyond Iran. Trump also criticized Starmer’s policies on the Chagos Islands, North Sea oil and gas exploration, and immigration, urging him to “Stop people from coming in from foreign lands who hate you.” He also repeated unsubstantiated claims about sharia courts operating in London.
Trump’s dissatisfaction isn’t limited to the UK. He also threatened to cut off trade with Spain after Madrid prohibited the use of its bases for attacks on Iran, describing the Spanish position as “terrible.” He also complained about the logistical challenges of using Diego Garcia, calling it a “stupid island” and lamenting the extra flight hours required.
According to a YouGov poll, 49% of Britons oppose the U.S. Strikes on Iran, while 28% support them. The same poll indicates that 32% support the use of RAF bases for attacks targeting missile sites, while 50% oppose it.
Darren Jones, the prime minister’s chief secretary, stated the UK would act in the interests of its citizens, regardless of faith, and reiterated the public’s desire to avoid a wider conflict in the Middle East.
As of Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the U.S. Administration has not publicly responded to Starmer’s defense of his position, and no further meetings between the two leaders have been scheduled.
